New legislation in Greece to see young offenders conduct community service instead of jail time

Archive image of prisoner cell windows in Korydallos Prison, Greece’s largest prison. Photo: AAP via AP/Petros Giannakouris.

Government officials and legislators in Greece are refining new legislation that will allow minors convicted of less serious crimes to do community service instead of serving time in prison.

Justice Minister Kostas Tsiaras confirmed during his speech at a ministry event on Monday (Greece time), that “the measure is seen as an important step in helping rehabilitate young offenders by giving them the opportunity to have a positive social impact”.

Mr Tsiaras also announced improvements to the social, family and reintegration services available to minors, and promised to deliver a more efficient probation system.

“We have made significant inroads in reducing crime with the amendments to the Penal Code,” he said.

“This framework is now being completed with initiatives aimed at prevention, by upgrading the juvenile probation and social assistance services, which will supervise the community service scheme as a main or alternative sentence.”

neoskosmos.com